Next On Agenda

The Need For Further Budget Cuts Won't Go Away

August 16, 1993

More than a week has passed since Congress approved President Clinton's deficit-reduction plan and, despite the predictions of some, America's economic sky hasn't fallen. At least it hasn't fallen yet. The stock market has rolled along and there was more good news about inflation last week. Still, cautious people will keep at least one eye cocked upwards - just in case.

The Clinton administration has turned its attention to other matters. An anti-crime package was introduced Wednesday, and everyone is holding their breath, waiting for Hillary Clinton's plan for reforming the health care system. The success or failure of her proposal will have much to do with how successful the government will be in holding down medical costs, which in the form of Medicare and Medicaid have represented an explosive portion of federal spending.

Which brings us back to the budget. Rep. Tim Penny of Minnesota was one of the Democrats who voted for Clinton's budget while denouncing it. Penny, who is 41, also surprised people by announcing that he will retire next year. Part of his reason: frustration with the failure of Congress and Clinton to cut more spending. He cited, as just one example, a federal appropriation for a privately owned railroad museum and amusement park in Scranton, Pa. "The ... appropriation is only a few million dollars a year, but if we can't kill something that is clearly not in the national interest, what kind of a signal does that send to the American public about our willingness to tackle the bigger items in the budget? It's a sad commentary on the institution that we cannot even cut this."

Amen. Too bad Penny didn't cite an example of unnecessary spending in his own state.